From interactive ag to Broadway’s best, here’s what’s ahead this spring at the Washington Pavilion

This paid piece is sponsored by Washington Pavilion Management Co.

You can escape to the world of Willy Wonka, get up close with agriculture, sing along to hits from “Hairspray” and the British Invasion era and even snag a free lunch in the coming weeks at the Washington Pavilion.

“Our crowds so far this year have been amazing,” said Gina Ruhberg, director of performances and events.

“Everyone has been wonderful about coming out, and they’re happy when they leave. And I think it’s important to remember that when we look to bring in shows and attractions, the producers look at our ticket sales and the way we support these shows. That’s how we get looked at by others who want to come here. It’s the community feeling they get in Sioux Falls and how they’re embraced all around.”

No matter what your age or interest, you’re going to find a reason to come out to the Washington Pavilion this spring.

Here’s a look at what’s ahead:

‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’

You won’t need a golden ticket, but you will need to make plans soon to secure a ticket to this weekend’s performances of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”

“We always try to have a family show where you can bring the kids and grandkids,” Ruhberg said.

“And in this version, they have new costumes, and it’s all very colorful and whimsical, so it’s just a fun show to see with you family and remember back in the day when it was a big movie you likely saw as a child.”

There are some tickets still remaining for the performances, which are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and at 1 and 6 p.m. Saturday.

Come early, and enjoy a buffet at Leonardo’s Cafe, which will feature an inspired menu of cocoa whole pork, candy salmon and chocolate fondue for dessert.

Click here for information on the show and the buffet.

‘Hairspray’

The classic Tony award-winning musical “Hairspray” follows 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad in 1960s Baltimore as she sets out to make her way onto TV’s most popular show.

“It’s similar to ‘Escape to Margaritaville’ that we had at the start of the season – a chance to come get away for the night, leave all your worries at the door and just have a good time and relive the days of big hair and big dreams,” Ruhberg said.

Shows are March 25 at 7:30 p.m. and March 26 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. A dinner buffet at Leonardo’s will feature fruit and charcuterie boards, chicken and waffles, Baltimore crab cakes and a pasta bar.

Click here for information and to reserve your seats. 

Ag Day

The last weekend in March will be a busy one at the Washington Pavilion as the annual Ag Day returns March 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“It’s such a fun day,” said Chelsea Cronin, director of development. “Anyone from toddlers to upper elementary kids will find something they’ll love.”

On this day, the Pavilion is filled with exhibitors representing different areas of agriculture, and the whole experience is interactive.

“It gets kids excited about agriculture and is an eye-opening experience for adults as well to realize how much impact agriculture has on our lives,” Cronin said.

The day also includes free admission to the Kirby Science Discovery Center and Visual Arts Center, along with activities such as an agriculture trivia game, marble track, I Spy Farm display and horse matching game.

“We’re sneaking in the learning while they’re having fun,” Cronin said. “So it’s a great way to explore different areas of the museum and even introduce future career opportunities.”

Don’t miss lunch on Ag Day, either. It’s provided free to the first 750 guests beginning at 11 a.m. thanks to sponsors Bel Brands, Pepsi, Smithfield Foods and the South Dakota Beef Industry Council.

The day is made possible by dozens of sponsors and participating businesses and organizations, led by South Dakota Corn, Pipestone System, South Dakota Soybean Research & Promotion Council and South Dakota Soybean Association.

Click here to learn more. 

‘Church Basement Ladies’

If you live in this part of the country, you likely can relate to the ladies in a rural Minnesota church supporting everything from weddings to funerals from the basement kitchen.

“Church Basement Ladies” returns to Sioux Falls on April 10 at 2 p.m.

“This is a wholesome one. You can bring Grandma,” Ruhberg said.

“The show changes every year, but this is the original version, and it’s just good, wholesome entertainment to laugh at. This was on our schedule for last year, so we were able to move it to this year, and because it’s live entertainment, even if you’ve seen it before, there are new actors and different jokes, so never think that it’s going to be the same old thing.”

Click here to learn more and reserve your seat.

‘The British Invasion’

Go back six decades in one night with this all-new live concert event that showcases the most popular music from the British Invasion era.

Featuring songs from The Rolling Stones, Dave Clark 5, The Animals, The Kinks and Dusty Springfield, this immersive multimedia show April 21 at 7:30 p.m. will place the audience front and center of pop culture history.

“It’s just a nice tribute night,” Ruhberg said. “And this concert version includes some multimedia, so you’ll see pictures from back in the day and, of course, love all the great music.”

Click here to learn more and reserve your seat. 

‘Come From Away’

Mark your calendar for early May because this award-winning musical will be playing eight shows in Sioux Falls before you know it.

The New York Times Critic’s Pick “Come From Away” takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them.

Based on a true story following Sept. 11, 2001, it’s coming to the Washington Pavilion May 3-8.

“It is absolutely phenomenal, and everybody needs to see it whether they lived through Sept. 11 or not because it is such a recap of the humanity of the day and how people reached out to help strangers who literally landed in their backyard,” Ruhberg said.

“You’ll laugh and you’ll cry and you’ll laugh again, but you’ll leave the theater so uplifted.”

How great is this show? Ruhberg plans to be there all eight performances.

“The best part of my job is seeing the standing ovation at the end,” she said. “You see 1,800 people stand up, and you realize all the hard work to bring these shows to town is worth it.”

To learn more and reserve your seats, click here.

Become a member

You can join the Washington Pavilion for a limited time for just $1 per month for the first three months. To learn more about how it works and all that’s included, click here.